Chora Maria

In the song 'Chora Maria' by Mestre Toni Vargas, we are introduced to Maria, a woman who is heartbroken because her lover has left her. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Maria's sorrow as she watches her beloved depart for the docks to play Capoeira de Angola, a traditional form of the Brazilian martial art. The repetition of 'Chora Maria chora' emphasizes her deep sadness and longing, making the listener feel her pain and sense of abandonment.

Capoeira de Angola is not just a martial art; it is a cultural expression that combines dance, music, and acrobatics. It has deep roots in African traditions and was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a form of resistance and cultural preservation. By choosing to play Capoeira de Angola, Maria's lover is not merely leaving her; he is engaging in an act that is rich in cultural significance and history. This adds a layer of complexity to the song, as it juxtaposes Maria's personal loss with the broader cultural context of Capoeira.

The song also touches on the theme of time and waiting. The line 'A roda so para no romper da aurora' suggests that the Capoeira circle, or roda, continues until dawn. This imagery of the roda lasting through the night symbolizes Maria's endless wait and the slow passage of time in her sorrow. The final line, 'Quem mandou tu querer capoeira de angola,' can be interpreted as a bittersweet acknowledgment of the choices that led to this moment. It suggests that Maria's love for a Capoeira player inevitably comes with the pain of separation, highlighting the sacrifices made for love and cultural devotion.